> 2. Today I placed a paper towel saturated w/vegetable oil (any kind; > cheaper the better) between the two deep broodchambers. Within a > week the bees will have removed it. I wonder about this. Is this scientifically proven to do anything related to T-mites? It would logically seem that there would only be vegetable oil presence in the hive for a short time using this procedure, unless the oil goes into the wax, or something of that sort. I thought that Sammataro et al indicated that continued presence over time is the secret to measurable success with grease patties, at least. Perhaps I misunderstood. I would be interested to know if there is any data (measurement compared to controls) for rational evaluation of this towel recommendation or if this idea is yet unproven. Many of us have been getting along with no treatment for TM, so just simple colony survival with no controls or measurement of mite levels is no indication of efficacy. The mechanism of TM control using oils and grease is not well understood (AFAIK), so if this is scientifically proven, then measured and proven success with this technique would give some insight into the mechanism, perhaps. It would be nice to know that there is a proven alternate method to putting grease patties on, but is there? Regards Allen W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Internet:[log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask] Honey. Bees, & Art <http://www.internode.net/~allend/>